HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE Sustainable Development Report 2021
2 3 Dear Readers, In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to leave its impact on people around the globe. But while 2020 was marked by near-infinite demand for hygiene products, 2021 was much more unpredictable as strong demand quickly turned into significant overstocking. Still, OPHARDT Hygiene is proud to have played an important role in Breaking the Chain of Infection in 2021. Our OHMS hardware and software recorded its 50 millionth hand disinfection. Since 2011, OHMS has increasingly been adopted in medical facilities across Europe as a means to provide unbiased hand hygiene data. This data can then be used by hygiene experts to provide targeted training where hand hygiene compliance may be low, and to relocate existing dispensers to where they can provide the most impact. With the SmartNose, we help to bring hand hygiene compliance into focus on the spot, to ensure healthcare providers know when they have dispensed enough sanitizer to effectively prevent the spread of infections. This year, we also expanded the SanTRAL® Plus washroom series. Building on the initial launch of six devices in 2020, the line now includes additional toilet paper and paper towel dispensers, as well as open and hygiene waste bins to further round out the offering from this series. Recognizing the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability offered by these smart capable devices, the SanTRAL® Plus washroom series was recognized by various institutions. The series won a Special Mention from the German Design Award, as well as the ICONIC Award Innovative Interior “Best of the Best.” The series was also nominated for the Green Product Award. Our unrelenting work to be a responsible, innovative manufacturer of hygiene products did not go unnoticed in 2021. We were pleased to be awarded the 2022 German Brand of the Century award by the German Standards Organization. Despite the instability of 2021, we pressed on to make a pledge to become netclimate neutral by 2045. I expect that this commitment will require an even more concerted effort than overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 for our organization. When done effectively, it is our aim to use our climate goals to increase production efficiencies and create a safer planet for future generations. Once again, I must thank each and every OPHARDT employee for their tireless efforts to ensure life-saving infection prevention devices could be delivered to organizations and communities around the globe. In our 2021 Sustainable Development Report, we take a closer look at OPHARDT Hygiene’s activities and initiatives relating to our three sustainability goals: to improve health and well-being, cultivate stronger communities, and foster a thriving environment. I wish you pleasant reading, A MESSAGE FROM HEINER OPHARDT, CEO Heiner Ophardt - CEO -
4 5 OPHARDT TO BECOME CLIMATE-NEUTRAL BY 2045 The work of avoiding climate disaster requires urgency. That is why OPHARDT Hygiene is committing to becoming climate neutral by 2045. This goal applies to both direct emissions from sources owned and controlled by OPHARDT (also known as Scope 1 emissions) as well as indirect emissions in the form of purchased energy (Scope 2 emissions).1 “It can feel like climate change is a slow approaching storm,” Heiner Ophardt, CEO of OPHARDT Hygiene recently shared. “It is coming towards us, but its presence is not always obvious. It will have lasting effects. This is something that will affect us all. Alone, we cannot fix the problem of climate change. But we have to be a part of the solution.” The undertaking ahead of us all is immense. To stay within the 1.5 degrees of warming necessary to avoid the most drastic effects of climate change, humanity must cut our net emissions to zero by 2050. “We are aiming for the more aggressive goal of 2045,” said Jessica Hunt, Sustainability Team Leader at OPHARDT. In order to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions, OPHARDT Hygiene will become more energy efficient, electrify and expand our own renewable energy sources, and purchase green energy. Increasing energy efficiency and conservation in our manufacturing plants enables us to lower our footprint while we transition away from fossil-fuel sources and will help us speed up our shift to renewable energy. Key improvements include upgrading insulation, using LEDs with occupancy and daylight sensors, and purchasing high-efficiency equipment and machines. To become climate neutral, we will be growing our renewable energy portfolio. To date, we have installed photovoltaics at two of our manufacturing plants, generating approximately 90,000 kWh per year. By 2045 we hope to generate more than 7,000,000 kWh of renewable energy to power our manufacturing plants. To put this into perspective, the average electricity consumption per dwelling is 3,700 kWh in the EU. By generating more than 7 million kWh of energy, this would be equivalent to the annual electricity needs of more than 1,890 EU homes.2 We will expand solar panel-use on our plant roofs and properties, invest in other renewable sources such as wind, integrate batteries for storing renewable energy, and switch to electric heating. Buying and renting electric cars is another way we are planning to move away from fossil fuel use. These efforts are related to our direct emissions, but we have also committed to net-zero indirect emissions from the power that we purchase. In Europe, we are already purchasing Guarantees of Origin, which verify the source of renewable energy.3 As all our plants are in countries that are signatories of the Paris Agreement, local power grids will also become greener over the next 24 years. In locations where we can choose between energy sources, we will choose renewable energy. Already, 52% of our purchased electricity comes from renewable sources.4 In the decades to come, we expect the percentage of power that comes from solar technologies to massively increase. This is due to projected advances and cost decreases for solar power. TIME TO ACT: CLIMATE NEUTRAL BY 2045 According to the Fraunhofer Institute, with the introduction of new technologies, the efficiency of solar panels will double by 2050 (compared to 2015 figures). Meanwhile, costs will decrease by 1/3 by 2025 and by 2/3 by 2050 (also compared to 2015 prices).5 According to these projections, solar power is on track to become cheaper than any fossil-based power. Care for people is at the heart of our company’s mission, to break the chain of infection. At OPHARDT, we recognize the clear connection between our physical and planetary health. As Jessica Hunt points out, “becoming climate neutral is the right thing to do. It will be a team effort, but we have a lot of motivated and committed people at OPHARDT.” Footnotes: [1] As defined by the GHG protocol [2] https://www.odyssee-mure.eu/publications/efficiency-by-sector/households/electricity-consumption-dwelling.html [3] Council directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC (Text with EEA relevance) .(2009). Official Journal L 140, p. 16. [4] According to 2019 data on self-generated and purchased electricity. [5] Fraunhofer ISE. (2015). Current and future cost of photovoltaics. Long-term scenarios for market development, system prices and LCOE of utility-scale PV systems. Study on behalf of Agora Energiewende. https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/ise/de/documents/publications/studies/AgoraEnergiewende_Current_and_Future_Cost_of_PV_Feb2015_web.pdf NET ZERO EMISSIONS
6 From the most advanced medical facility to the most demanding public space, we solve the problems of hand hygiene through obsessive engineering, deep research, and manufacturing excellence. Like so many innovative companies, our story starts in a garage. Hermann Ophardt, a persistent inventor and designer, prototyped Europe‘s most iconic dispenser, the ingo-man® in 1967. It was the first dispenser capable of reliably dispensing alcohol-based disinfectant. Our vision at OPHARDT Hygiene is to provide universal access to life-saving hygiene solutions. Our mission is to Break the Chain of Infection. We are still persistent perfectionists. We not only design cutting-edge soap and disinfectant pumps, we manufacture them in-house. When our engineers want to check on our manufacturing process, they do not have to book a flight. They just walk down the hall. Since then, we have never stopped innovating. Over 400 patents and 7 production locations later, we continue to work tirelessly to break the chain of infection. To break the chain of infection, we need to start with our hands. Our hands hold endless potential to heal, help, and create. They can also carry disease and harm. Eighty-percent of all infectious diseases are spread through hands. Hand hygiene affects us all. The power to live longer, healthier lives is in our hands. OPHARDT AT A GLANCE 7
9 COMPANY PROFILE Organization Privately held, family owned since 1962. Global Executive Team The Global Executive Team represents the most senior committee responsible for decision-making on economic, environmental, and social topics. Members include: Heiner Ophardt John O’Malley Ken Friesen Albrecht Lang Fred Roffel Thomas Houcken Allen Soden Global Management Team The Global Management Team forms the second-tier of our governance structure and is comprised of more than 30 members worldwide. The Global Management Team assists in developing and propelling company goals, strategies, and policies, and provides the link between senior management and the entire OPHARDT Hygiene team. Manufacturing Locations Beamsville, Canada Ballymote, Ireland Maaseik, Belgium Issum, Germany Niederbipp, Switzerland Yerevan, Armenia Cavite, Philippines Brands ingo-man® SanTRAL® PRAESIDIO® the untouchable™ NEPTUNE KX Series H3 Dispenser RX Series BTF Pump X10 OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® OPHARDT Washroom Monitoring System Employees, by region in % Armenia 1 Belgium 4 Canada 22 Germany 28 Ireland 16 Philippines 25 Switzerland 4 By gender in % Male 64 Female 36 By age in % <30 20 30-50 50 >50 30 650 + Employees 8 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT At OPHARDT Hygiene, we appreciate and benefit from the diversity of stakeholders to whom we are accountable and consider stakeholder engagement an essential aspect of our corporate governance. As stakeholder expectations and the industry itself are constantly evolving, we maintain close ties with key stakeholders at all levels of our company, communicating on a regular basis through both formal and informal channels. These relationships assist us in shaping the way we do business–prioritizing the topics that matter most in our industry. Stakeholder Group Methods of Engagement Customers Understanding the current and future needs of our customers helps us to deliver sustainable value, building on our reputation, and increasing our sales Annual Sustainability Report Conferences and Forums Direct Contact via Sales and Customer Care Hygiene Hub Blog Monthly Newsletter Product Videos Semi-annual Newsletter Social Media Trade Shows Education and Research Organizations Working together with education and research organizations enables us to provide a more scientific approach to deliver the best possible hand hygiene opportunities. Collaborative Partnerships Conferences and Forums Direct Engagement Sponsorships Tradeshows Employees Engaging regularly strengthens our team and provides an opportunity to listen and provide feedback on individual needs, as well as on the overall direction of the company. Company-wide Intranet Consultations Direct Engagement Employee Engagement Surveys and Forums Info-point Boards Newsletters Training Townhall Meetings Governance and Regulatory Bodies Proactively engaging and consulting with our regulators supports us in preparing in advance for potential changes that will impact our business. Annual Sustainability Report Conferences and Forums Direct Engagement Industry Associations Stakeholder Group Methods of Engagement Healthcare Providers Through engaging and consulting with healthcare providers we can better understand their needs and support them in providing safer patient care through improved opportunities for hand hygiene. Collaborative Partnerships Compliance Campus Visits Conferences and Forums Direct Engagement Hygiene Hub Blog Monthly Newsletter Product Videos Support for Educational Activities Non-governmental Organizations Collaborating with a range of NGOs supports us in gaining a better understanding of the immediate and wider sustainability issues affecting our local communities and beyond. Direct Engagement Donations and Sponsorships In-kind Support and Volunteering Initiatives Joint Fundraising Events Partnerships Local Communities Engaging with our local communities is essential to understanding how we can better support the community and in maintaining our reputation as a safe and responsible neighbour. Collaborative Partnerships Direct Engagement Local Business Forums Volunteering and Fundraising Events Suppliers and Partners Working together with our supply chain partners helps us to identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks, as well as to improve resource efficiencies of our products and services. Annual Sustainability Report Collaborative Partnerships Direct Engagement Hygiene Hub Blog Monthly Newsletter Policy Statements Site Visits Supplier Audits
10 11 Aktion Saubere Hände (Action Clean Hands) Bundesverband Handschutz e.V. (National Association for Hand Protection) Deutsche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaushygiene e.V. (German Society for Hospital Hygiene) Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (Society for Hygiene and Microbiology) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals United Way, Niagara Chapter Verbund für Unternehmen & Familie e.V. (Network for Business & Family) Viamedica Stiftung (Viamedica Foundation) World Health Organization: Private Organizations for Patient Safety (WHO POPS) KEY PARTNERSHIPS We strive to make socially and environmentally responsible contributions to our local communities and across the globe. We support and engage with a diverse group of local and international organizations. These organizations are helping making the world safer, healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable. Some of these organizations include: OUR SUSTAINABLE VALUES We believe that economy, environment and society are interconnected and interdependent. In pursuit of our company mission, to Break the Chain of Infection, we must also work toward preserving our natural environment, as human and environmental health go hand-in-hand. That’s why we’re continually working to improve our products and services, doing more with less. We strive to make meaningful contributions to a more sustainable, circular economy, built to benefit all. In working to deliver more sustainable value with each and every product delivered, we’ve defined three main sustainability goals: Improve the health and well-being At the very heart of our business is our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people around the world through infection prevention and improved hygiene.. Foster a thriving environment We are committed to being good environmental stewards and responsibly managing the environmental impact of our operations, delivering more with less. Cultivate stronger communities We remain steadfast in our commitment to create a positive social impact in our local communities and around the world.
2021 HIGHLIGHTS $15,300 USD RAISED FOR RESPONSIBILITY E.V. PROJECT to support health and hygiene in Tigray, Zimbabwe, and Philippines OPHARDT COMMITS TO BECOME CLIMATE NEUTRAL for all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2045. 12 OPHARDT WINS BRAND OF THE CENTURY dedicated to producing life-saving hygiene hardware and software.. 50 MILLION HAND HYGIENE EVENTS registered using OHMS since introduction of monitoring system in 2011. ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS CERTIFIED as being ‘Made for Recycling’ by third-party assessor. DISPENSER DONATIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS following flooding in Germany’s Ahr Valley 13
14 IMPROVE HEALTHANDWELLBEING 15 Our team works each and every day to deliver reliable hygiene products and solutions that support infection protection and ultimately save lives. It is widely understood that hands are a main vector for the transmission of disease, with 80% of all communicable infections spread by the hands. These pathogens are transmitted not only through hand-to-hand contact, but also through frequently touched objects and surfaces, like door handles and rails. In medical and care facilities, as well as high-traffic public areas, the risk of infection is high. That’s why our team focuses on providing comprehensive hygiene solutions to meet industry-specific requirements, making sure we can all get home safely to our families at the end of the day. As the world remains in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still reminded just how important it is for the global population to participate in thorough hand hygiene and for individuals to have consistent access to hygiene tools. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight vulnerabilities in global healthcare systems and public hygiene infrastructure. Good hand hygiene, in addition to other hygiene measures, protects us and those around us from the transmission of disease. Good hand hygiene also helps us protect our healthcare and other essential workers who are battling at the front line of this pandemic. Again this year, the global OPHARDT team has worked tirelessly to provide access to life-saving hygiene solutions. We’ve further expanded our production capabilities and worked to minimize wait times for essential products necessary to disrupt the transmission of COVID-19. As in previous years, we employed our three-pronged approach, using product innovations, education & communication, and cross-industry collaboration to support us in achieving our goal of improving health and well-being through hand hygiene and in our company mission to Break the Chain of Infection.
16 17 PRODUCT INNOVATIONS Hygiene is an ever-evolving field that has changed dramatically over the past century. Breakthrough advancements have saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for many around the world. While significant strides have been made in improving health and well-being, there exist many persistent and emerging health issues related to hygiene. Continued innovation and collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups can help ensure well-being for everyone, at all ages. Our Approach Thorough hand hygiene supports health and well-being, and is an essential component of infection prevention and control. Raising the standard of hand hygiene can only be sustained when supported by innovative and reliable soap and disinfectant products. At OPHARDT Hygiene, we specialize in providing opportunities for hand hygiene for a wide range of settings and conditions, from public entrances to heavily frequented public restrooms, to point-of-care solutions in medical facilities. Where there is a need for hand hygiene, we have a solution. HEALTHCARE Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are an onerous problem for healthcare systems around the world. In Germany alone, about 600,000 hospital-acquired infections occur every year.1 In neighbouring Switzerland, 70,000 infections occur annually in connection with medical treatment.2 Across the Atlantic, more than 200,000 Canadian patients acquire HAIs on a yearly basis.3 In a single year,there are over 680,000 HAIs just from acute care hospitals in America.4 In low- and middle-income countries, these figures can be much higher. Improved hand hygiene could prevent a significant proportion of these infections. Although thorough hand hygiene is regarded as the most effective measure to prevent the spread of infections, hand hygiene compliance rates in everyday clinical practice often fall below national and international recommended standards for safe patient care. To achieve sustained improvements in hand hygiene compliance, healthcare facilities must implement multi-modal strategies to address barriers to hand hygiene. At OPHARDT Hygiene, we developed an overall hygiene concept to support medical facilities break the chain of infection. In addition to our core product for hand hygiene–the ingo-man® dispenser–we offer a variety of products designed to increase compliance rates. Point-of-care holding solutions, touchless hand sanitizing dispensers, hi-vis-coloured dispenser housings, and electronic monitoring systems help support long-term improvements in hand hygiene compliance. 1 Zacher, Benedikt, et al. “Application of a newmethodology and R package reveals a high burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in Germany compared to the average in the European Union/European Economic Area, 2011 to 2012.” Eurosurveillance 24.46 (2019). 2 Bundesamt für Gesundheit (BAG). Nationale Strategie zur Überwachung, Verhütung und Bekämpfung von Spital- und Pflegeheiminfektionen (Strategie NOSO) 3 Canada, Public Health Agency of. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca, / Gouvernement Du Canada, 23 Oct. 2013, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/publications/chief-public-health-officer-reports-state-public-health-canada/chief-public-health-officer-report-on-state-public-health-canada-2013-infectiousdisease-never-ending-threat/healthcare-associated-infections-due-diligence.html 4 “Data Portal.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Nov. 2020, www.cdc.gov/hai/data/portal/index.html.
18 19 Sanitizer stands in entrance areas Protect patients and staff from infections by increasing the number of visitors practicing hand disinfection upon entering hospitals. Hospital visitors disinfect their hands up to 5 times more often if a dispenser is easily accessible in the entrance area. 1 Hygiene dispensers in hi-vis colours Implementing dispenser systems with eye-catching, high-visibility colours can increase hand hygiene compliance in hospitals by as much as 6%. 2 Disposable hygiene systems Resource constraints often inhibit hospitals from meeting strict reprocessing recommendations for dispenser systems, which can impact dispenser functioning and lead to contamination. By implementing disposable hygiene systems, hospitals can improve hygiene standards and achieve significant savings potentials of between €50,000 and €250,000 per year. Point-of-care solutions Placing easily accessible hand sanitizer dispensers directly at the point-of-care improves the likelihood healthcare workers will disinfect their hands and can help hospitals achieve an increase in hand hygiene compliance by up to 25%. 4 Touchless dispensers Compared to their manual-based counterparts, touchless sanitizer dispensers can reduce the risk of cross-contamination and improve hand hygiene compliance. Installing touchless dispensers can help hospitals increase the use of hand sanitizer by as much as 53% per patient day. 3 Electronic hand hygiene monitoring Introducing electronic monitoring systems, like the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System®, can support healthcare facilities in achieving increases in hand disinfectant consumption by 30% per patient day, leading to a reduction of nosocomial infections by -28%. 5 1Hobbs, M. A., Robinson, S., Neyens, D. M., & Steed, C. (2016). Visitor characteristics and alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispenser locations at the hospital entrance: Effect on visitor use rates. American journal of infection control, 44(3), 258-262. 2Scheithauer, S., Häfner, H., Schröder, J., Nowicki, K. & Lemmen, S. (2014). Influence of signal coloured hand disinfectant dispensers on hand hygiene compliance at a medical intensive care unit. Am J Infect Control 42(8), 926-8. 3Scheithauer, S., Haefner, H., Koch, A., Lemmen, S. Increase of alcoholic hand disinfection performance due to new touchless dispensers. Abstracts of 21st ECCMID/27th. 4Bischoff, W. E., Reynolds, T. M., Sessler, C. N., Edmond, M. B. & Wenzel, R. P. (2000). Handwashing compliance by health care workers: the impact of introducing an accessible, alcohol-based hand antiseptic. Arch. Intern. Med., 160(7), 1017-1021. 5Gölckner, A. (2015, Dec. 4). Elektronisches Händehygiene-Monitoring System: Auswirkungen auf Compliance und Infektionen. Nationaler Qualitätskongress Gesundheit, Berlin. PRODUCT INNOVATIONS OPHARDT HONOURED AS BRAND OF THE CENTURY OPHARDT has been awarded the prestigious German Standards: Brand of the Century award. With this award, our brand has been recognized as a standard-bearer in our industry that stands as a synonym for the sanitizer dispensers product category. OPHARDT’s success story began with the ingo-man® in the 1960s. At the time, alcoholbased hand santizers were growing rapidly in popularity – especially in the healthcare sector. Its introduction brought about a sea-of-change in the world of hand hygiene and hand sanitization quickly became the gold standard. But the sanitization boom at the time brought with it a serious problem. Existing hand hygiene dispensers were not designed for the new products. Specifically, the seals could barely withstand the alcohol-based product. As a result, sanitizer often ended up leaking onto the floors of the hospitals instead of being dispensed into the hands of doctors, nurses, and caregivers. This waste of sanitizer therefore did not promote infection prevention. Hermann Ophardt took on this problem and, after intensive development work, introduced the first ingo-man® dispenser in 1967. The key elements were: the efficient pump technology, the hygienic operating lever with a small contact area, and the “bottom-up” dispensing, which was revolutionary at the time. A short time later, Ophardt created a solution to the problem of the increasing variety of sanitizer bottle shapes with the development of the Euro-bottle standard – together with Professor Daschner from Freiburg University Hospital. The variety of bottle types arose after more and more disinfectant manufacturers began entering the market and offering their products in their own bottles that only fit into their own dispensing systems. The uniform Euro bottle format eliminated this problem, and its quick-adoption was helped by its compatibility with all ingo-man® dispensers.
20 21 OPHARDT: Always ahead Over time, the OPHARDT portfolio grew to include product lines like the SanTRAL® series, the Neptune™ series, and KX cartridge systems. Today, OPHARDT is known for functionality, innovation and digitalization. Sanitizer dispensers with reliable touch-free operation, eye-catching design, and robust mounting solutions for use at point-of-care, ensure better hand hygiene in all kinds of areas. Each are important milestones in the development history of this family-run company. Through our pioneering work in the field of smart dispenser systems, OPHARDT is still setting standards in hand hygiene and infection prevention. Smart hygiene dispensers record important consumption and usage data, which can help optimize hand hygiene behavior and dispenser infrastructure. The disinfectant dispenser In receiving the German Standards: Brands of the Century award, OPHARDT represents the entire category of sanitizer dispensers as a standard-bearer for hand hygiene. As part of the comprehensive process, the OPHARDT brand went through three evaluations and convinced a prestigious jury. OPHARDT joins established German groups and brands such as adidas, DIXI® and Tempo®. Dr. Florian Langenscheidt, publisher of the “Brand of the Century,” underlines the significance of the award: “A Brand of the Century is a brand that manages to define an entire genre of products or services.” The official award ceremony and public announcement of all the honorees took place at the beginning of November 2021 as part of the book publication German Standards: Brands of the Century 2022. PRODUCT INNOVATIONS OHMS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS This year, OPHARDT celebrates 10 years of pioneering digital hand hygiene with the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® (OHMS). Our hardware and software have been providing hospital staff the data they need to reduce hospital-acquired infections, reduce unnecessary additional costs to the healthcare system, and to ultimately provide better patient care. On this 10 year anniversary, we take a look back on some of OHMS’ important milestones. Renowned hospitals rely on smart hand hygiene After the first smart sanitizer dispensers, the ingo-man® plus Weco series, went online in December 2011, further installations in clinics and hospitals throughout Germany followed in the coming months. The first users of the hand hygiene monitoring system included Berlin’s Charité Hospital, Freiburg University Hospital, and Jena University Hospital. In the largest clinic in Thuringia, OPHARDT’s monitoring system provided important hand hygiene data for the ALERTS study 1 . The study set itself the goal of effectively reducing hospital-acquired infections. Specifically, OHMS helped optimize the locations of disinfectant dispensers throughout the university hospital. Professor Petra Gastmeier, MD, director of the National Reference Center for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections, calls the hospital infection detection and surveillance method developed by ALERTS a “model for other hospitals.”2 Digital hand hygiene monitoring quickly generated interest outside of Germany as well. For example, the Amsterdam University Medical Center implemented OHMS and equipped two wards with WiFi-enabled hand sanitizer dispensers. With the help of OHMS, a team of researchers led by Martine Caris observed the positive effect that “nudges“ can have to improve both staff behavior staff and patient safety. 1 Press release Management & Krankenhaus, 7 January 2013, online available: https://www.management-krankenhaus.de/news/ophardt-hygiene-unterstuetztalerts-studie-zur-reduzierung-von-krankenhausinfektionen 2Press release University Hospital Jena, 30 November 2012, online available: https://www.uniklinikum-jena.de/cscc/Center+for+Sepsis+Control+and+Care/Aktuelles/Krankenhausinfektionen_+Erstmals+klinikweite+Langzeitzahlen-pos-9-p-444.html
22 23 An entirely new category of monitoring The quantification of the “Hawthorne effect” in hand hygiene observation is another important finding that can be attributed to OPHARDT’s monitoring system. The Hawthorne effect describes the influence that the presence of an observer has on the hand hygiene behavior of nursing staff and physicians. In 2013, the research team led by Dr. Stefan Hagel used OHMS to investigate how direct observation distorts hand hygiene compliance. The physically observed data was threetimes more inaccurate, and this method was found to be heavily subject to error.5 For hygiene professionals, this is a valuable insight when interpreting hygiene data and one more reason to rely on electronic monitoring. Hagel underlines the importance of OHMS: “The system provides reliable usage data around the clock, 365 days a year, without ‘observation effects‘. On this basis, we can determine actual hand hygiene behavior and sustainably improve it as an important component of infection prevention.” An entire clinic relies on digital dispensers Another milestone for the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® was reached in 2015, when the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW (HDZ NRW) in Bad Oeynhausen became the first hospital in Germany to put OPHARDT’s digital hand hygiene monitoring system into operation in all bedside areas. Since then, more than 1,000 smart Euro dispensers measure disinfection behavior in the clinic and provide hygiene managers with invaluable data. Hand hygiene improved, nosocomial infections reduced In the same year, Dr. Andreas Glöckner presented his research results for the first time at the National Health Quality Congress in Berlin. The infectiologist and intensive care physician analyzed the influence of the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® on hand disinfectant consumption and healthcare-associated infections at the BDH Clinic Greifswald. During the one-year study period, a 31 percent increase in disinfectant consumption per patient day was achieved compared to the previous year. Of particular interest: the average consumption per hand disinfection also increased significantly, which improved the quality of hand hygiene. In turn, nosocomial infections decreased by 28 percent per patient day. This is a truly amazing result that underscores the benefits of real-time hand hygiene data. Smart dispenser with built-in feedback Since then, more and more healthcare facilities are turning to the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System®. Even outside of large university hospitals, hand hygiene is going digital. For example, two German hospitals, the Municipal Hospital in Braunschweig and the Protestant Hospital in Lippstadt, introduced a digital hygiene solution in 2016. As the system evolved, OPHARDT Hygiene launched the ingo-man® SmartNose in 2019, a retrofittable unit that makes existing sanitizer dispensers smart. This product is compatible with all existing ingo-man® plus Euro dispensers and can be installed in just a few simple steps. Switching to smart hand hygiene is easier than ever before. In addition to the comprehensive and easy to evaluate data on disinfection behavior by ward, the ingo-man® SmartNose introduced another way to prevent infection. Correct dosage of hand sanitizer is critical to ensure harmful pathogens are killed during hand disinfection. A green feedback LED on the top of the device provides nursing staff, doctors and other medical personnel with immediate feedback as to whether the correct amount of sanitizer has been dispensed. In the software area, too, the digital systems from OPHARDT Hygiene are constantly evolving. With an updated user interface, the introduction of alerts, and the development of an innovative task management function, OHMS continues to become even more valuable for its users in the healthcare sector. Over 50 million hand disinfections This year, OHMS recorded its 50 millionth hand disinfection, up from 25 million hand disinfections recorded just three years ago. This newmilestone is proof of an ever-growing user base, and highlights a rapid increase in the adoption of smart solutions designed to break the chain of infection. 1,000+
24 25 HAND HYGIENE GOES DIGITAL AT ZOLLERNALB CLINIC Until now, staff at the Zollernalb Clinic (Zollernalb Klinikum) in Badden- Württemberg, Germany have relied on purchasing data of hand disinfectant to as a measure to indicate hand hygiene compliance. Using this method alone makes it difficult to reach reliable conclusions about the effectiveness of hygiene measures. The search for a solution that would lead to more accurate insights led the head of hospital hygiene team, Markus Maucher, to the ingo-man® SmartNose. The SmartNose is both simple and innovative. The smart unit can be installed on conventional Euro dispensers of the ingo-man® plus series in just a few simple steps. Once installed, it automatically records every single hand disinfection with an associated timestamp and the dispenser location. This information is then sent securely to the cloud for analysis. Using the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® (OHMS) software, the clinic’s hygiene department can access comprehensive data analysis and reports at the click of a button. As the person responsible for hygiene, Markus Maucher, sees the detailed measurement as “appealing in this respect… in order to illuminate and improve hand hygiene procedures.” Immediate feedback during hand disinfection It is worth clarifying that the system cannot track individuals hand hygiene behavior, instead it promotes group goal-setting, which was an essential requirement of the clinic’s decision-making body. The OHMS web app’s clear home screen also lists information on bottle fill levels, battery levels, or rarely used dispensers, which helps increase the availability of hand hygiene opportunities. Even without additional intervention, the ingo-man® SmartNose improves hand hygiene compliance all by itself through the direct feedback it offers. As soon as hospital staff dispense the recommended amount of hand sanitizer from the dispenser, a green feedback LED lights up for a short time, providing positive visual feedback. To start, the Zollernalb Clinic is equipping the Central Emergency Department (ZNA) at its Balingen site with smart disinfectant dispensers. The ward treats around 60,000 emergency patients per year and needs optimal hygiene equipment as part of its initial medical care. Further devices will be put into operation at the clinic site in Albstadt, for a total of 48 intelligent hand disinfectant dispensers to actively support hand hygiene. Following a successful introductory phase, the clinic plans to extend the installation to other wards. OHMS provides detailed hand hygiene feedback
26 27 Hygiene stations for entrance areas Effectively protect visitors and employees from infection. Wellplaced hand hygiene stations in entrance halls, corridors, or waiting areas gives everyone the opportunity to disinfect their hands upon entering and exiting buildings. Access to adequate hygiene opportunities can actively prevent the spread of harmful pathogens - especially in highly frequented public areas. Choice of filling good Optimize operating costs using an open, refillable system. Open systems are designed to offer compatibility with products from different manufacturers. Having the flexibility to switch between suppliers ensures a reliable and cost effective supply in filling goods.. Robust washroom dispensing Our robust dispensers are designed to stand up to the wear and tear of high usage associated with public areas. To meet the highest safety requirements, our waste bins, dispensers and dosing pumps are available in fire-retardant design according to DIN 5510/2 and DIN 45545. For aesthetically demanding areas, our anti-fingerprint coating for the dispenser housing simplifies cleaning andd maintenance. Digital washroom Using the OWMS system, facility management can monitor fill levels in dispensers and waste bins, allowing them to optimize servicing to make sure visitors have the products they need for a hygienic washroom experience. PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC AREAS Highly-frequented public areas can be conduits for germs. Most people spend several hours every day in public areas – going to work or to school, shopping, meeting friends in restaurants, taking the subway. During this time, we – like thousands of others – touch railings and door handles, visit public washrooms, enter our PIN into the card reader, or greet each other with a handshake. The risk of the spread of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections is high in public settings, with 80% of communicable diseases spread by the hands. Achieving sustainable improvements in hand hygiene in public settings means more than just the installation of a single sanitizer dispenser. At OPHARDT Hygiene, we developed an overall hygiene concept to support public institutions and facilities in breaking the chain of infection. With our dispensing solutions, we offer uniform and comprehensive hand hygiene in every situation, from public washrooms, to lobbies, entranceways and more PRODUCT INNOVATIONS SanTRAL® Plus WINS MULTIPLE AWARDS The core features of this washroom series make it perfect for both high-traffic environments and high-end design spaces. The products are robust and durable, and are produced using OPHARDT‘s advanced, made-in-Germany manufacturing. A wide range of colour options and finishes, like Steel Touch, Artic White, Midnight Black, Oslo Blue, Copper Rose, and Slate Grey, help these dispensers stand out or fit into any environment. Smart connectivity offers many benefits for facilities managers. The dispensers provide real-time information on the fill levels and battery levels of dispensers, leading to better task management and an effective use of supplies and staff hours. Thanks to the continuously updating fill level data, operators need not carry out checks on product fill levels and product can therefore be available at all times. The impressive and practical features of the SanTRAL® Plus line have been recognized by winning multiple prestigious awards. HYGIENE MADE DIGITAL German Design Award, Special Mention Since its launch in 1991, the stainless steel SanTRAL® series for washrooms has Every year, the German Design Award honours innovative products and projects, as well as their manufacturers and designers. With its global scope and international appeal, the German Design Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape across all industries. Since 2012, the German Design Award has been identifying significant design trends, presenting them to a broad public and honouring them. This year, the presentation of the winners is themed "How Designers Think". Outstanding design means providing answers to the challenges of our time and thinking design further ahead. The top-class international jury honours these ground-breaking design achievements - and the German Design Awards make the design trends visible across all sectors. This year, on the tenth anniversary of the award, our SanTRAL® Plus intelligent washroom series won a Special Mention award. The "Special Mention" award of the German Design Award is presented for remarkable design achievements.
28 29 ICONIC Award Innovative Interior “Best of Best” The OPHARDT Hygiene smart washroom series, SanTRAL® Plus, has won a “Best of Best” award in the category Bathroom and Wellness from the ICONIC Awards: Innovative Interior. This award honours the best ideas from the interior design and architecture industries and serves as a barometre of the latest trends. Out of 400 entries, 22 projects received the “Best of Best” designation. Every year, the ICONIC Award honours top achievements from all product areas of the interior design industry. Product entries are judged based on material choice, sustainability, and innovative solutions, as well as their ease of use and individuality. The jury is comprised of five international experts, who are renowned members of the design industry. This jury recognized that SanTRAL® Plus is a forward-thinking product: “Empty paper dispensers at the washbasin or in the toilet cubicle can spoil the restaurant or bar experience. OPHARDT has developed a digital solution to this problem with the SanTRAL® Plus paper dispenser. The device transmits its filling status directly to the operator’s app, allowing him to conveniently keep an eye on all dispensers and ensure that they are replenished in good time. The fact that the practical dispensers can be harmoniously integrated into many environments with their clear, minimalist design and choice of different colours makes this solution even more attractive.” We are pleased to be able to accept the award at an awards ceremony on January 17, 2022. PRODUCT INNOVATIONS Green Product Award This year was a successful year for the SanTRAL® Plus washroom series. In addition to receiving a Special Mention from the German Design Award, and the “Best of Best” from ICONIC Award Innovative Interior, the SanTRAL® Plus series was also nominated for a Green Product Award, in the Working World category. Since 2013, the Green Product Award has been honouring products and services with sustainable and innovative designs. Projects are evaluated under 13 different categories, ranging from architecture, tiny houses, office products, packaging, to consumer goods and much more. This year, more than 1,500 entries from 52 countries were submitted for consideration by an international panel of experts. Several points impressed the judges about the SanTRAL® Plus series. The series was developed as a high-quality dispensing system built to last. The stainless steel housings of the dispensers are made using stainless steel, with up to 80% recycled content. The interior plastic components are made using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. These raw materials are obtained from municipal recycling programs (yellow bins in Germany and blue bins in North America). The X10 pumps used inside the dispenser can also be made from PCR plastic. The open system, allows facility managers to switch between suppliers of soap, sanitizer, paper towels, and toilet paper in the case of supply shortages because they are not tied to one supplier. The smart technology in the dispensers ensures maximum product availability, with sensors in the dispensers that record fill level and battery level in real time. If a dispenser is about to run out of product, staff receive a notification on their smartphone. SanTRAL® Plus
30 31 SanTRAL® Plus EXPANSION CONTINUES TRANSITION TO DIGITAL HAND HYGIENE Since its launch in 1991, the stainless steel SanTRAL® series for washrooms has proven itself in demanding environments and grown into a complete collection of products for all hand hygiene needs. From soap and disinfectant dispensers, in manual and touch-free versions, to paper towel and toilet paper dispensers, to waste bins, the SanTRAL® portfolio is the complete washroom solution. Now our Made-in-Germany dispenser family is becoming digital. Launched at the end of 2020, the SanTRAL® Plus series, has expanded in 2021 to include additional washroom devices capable of recording usage data and optimizing washroom hygiene. These devices include additional toilet paper dispensers (TTU 4), paper towel dispensers (PTU 15, PTU 45), feminine hygiene waste bin (HWU 6), and open waste bins (OBU 25). SanTRAL® Plus remains true to its roots as a reliable and flexible dispenser series. Small but important details have been refined during development. This new generation of dispensers keeps the iconic sloping roof of the SanTRAL® series, which reliably prevents waste and unwanted objects from being placed on top of the dispenser housing. Another essential feature the SanTRAL® Plus series offers is the freedom to choose any refillable material. Washroom operators can comfortably switch between the refills of PTU 15 HWU 6 TTU 4 PTU 45 OBU 25 different manufacturers without having to change the dispenser. In the case of the paper towel dispensers, an innovative universal dispenser guarantees compatibility with common paper types. With the soap and disinfectant dispensers, this is made possible by an open and refillable container. These are big benefits when it comes to affordability, sustainability, and flexibility – especially during supply bottlenecks. At the heart of this dispenser is our newest pump drive, the X10, which has been under careful development by OPHARDT Hygiene for years. This drive includes postconsumer recycled plastics for improved environmental performance. The pumps of the SanTRAL® Plus series for dosing liquid soap, disinfectant, foam and spray use the new X10 pump standard. With a few simple steps, the different dosing pumps can even be switched among dispensers for total flexibility. The highlight of the SanTRAL® Plus range is its new smart functionality. All dispensers in the new series are “smart ready“ and can either come equipped with an intelligent module or be easily retrofitted afterwards. These smart dispensers are able to record their usage data automatically and then send it to the OPHARDT Washroom Monitoring System (OWMS). Using the software, washroom operators always keep track of the individual dispenser data on fill levels, battery levels, and frequency of use. A corresponding app for mobile devices can be used to send tasks to cleaning and service personnel automatically and in real time. In this way, refill cycles can be optimized and the availability of filling goods can be increased efficiently, which leads to satisfied washroom visitors and guarantees a high standard of hygiene. Efficient washroom maintenance can also lead to significant savings, making the interaction between SanTRAL® Plus and OWMS an attractive hygiene solution. The expansion of the SanTRAL® Plus line also expands the portfolio of the products connected to OPHARDT Intelligent Solutions (OIS). OIS enables digitalized hand hygiene in the medical and public sector, optimizing efficiencies and boosting infection prevention in both spheres.
32 33 OPHARDT’S PRODUCTS FOR THE GERMAN BUNDESWEHR With 183,000 soldiers, the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is a sizeable organization. And from now on, our products will bring hygienic safety to the Bundeswehr. Our SanTRAL® Plus series dispensers, waste garbage cans & co., as well as various ingo-man® dispensers, are moving into barracks and buildings. The German Armed Forces have been part of German society for 65 years. They are helping with the flood disaster in Ahrweiler, are involved in national defense through the NATO alliance, and are participating in UN peace missions. As a result, German soldiers are also serving in other countries, like Kosovo, Jordan, and South Sudan. However, the German Armed Forces is not just made up of soldiers. Around 82,000 civilian employees also work for our country on a daily basis, making the German Armed Forces one of the largest employers in the German public sector. In addition to soldiers, the Bundeswehr employs gardeners, psychologists, painters, office management assistants, administrative assistants, and animal keepers. Every year around 1,300 adolescents start their careers with the Bundeswehr in over 50 different types of apprenticeships. These apprenticeships equip Germany’s youth for business, technical work, medical professions, and the trades. For the Bundeswehr in action: SanTRAL® Plus and ingo-man® To offer a comprehensive hygiene solution for its employees and members, the Bundeswehr relies on various products from OPHARDT Hygiene. One of these is the ingo-man®: Germany’s best-known disinfectant dispenser, renowned for its open Euro bottle format and available in 500 ml or 1 L versions, as required. SanTRAL® Plus devices are also being used across the organizaiton. The flexibility of this product line appealed to the Bundeswehr. SanTRAL® products have always been designed as an open system, to guarantee compatibility with products from different manufacturers. The flexibility to choose between different manufacturers of filling materials enables a reliable and cost-effective supply. The high-quality design of the SanTRAL® Plus series is perfect for high-traffic areas. The dispensers are made out of a single piece of stainless steel and have vandalproof locks. The viewing window makes checking product fill levels easy. The elegant sloping roof design prevents objects from being placed on top of the dispenser. Smooth welds, bends, and powder coatings ensure quick and easy cleaning. The Bundeswehr has ordered Smart Ready devices, which can be converted to a smart version at any time with a few easy steps. In the future, once the devices are made smart, the Bundeswehr will unlock the many benefits of smart monitoring and alerts to increase efficiency and track infection prevention. OPHARDT WASHROOM MONITORING SYSTEM The washroom is a key feature of any public facility. However, staff-shortages, changes in hygiene regulations, and tight schedules make it difficult to meet the high standards of guest satisfaction. Task-assignment and verification is a time-intensive, manual process. Hygiene managers lack real-time data, opening the door for inefficiencies in the cleaning and servicing of washroom facilities. On top of these existing challenges, new challenges have been brought on by the pandemic. Guests now demand even higher hygiene standards. New legal requirements have been introduced in many countries that mandate facilities document activities like cleaning cycles. Expectations that were once only reserved for medical facilities now apply to all public spaces. Digitalization is an ever-growing part of our lives and can offer real, long-term benefit to operators and users about hand hygiene. Using the OPHARDT Washroom Monitoring System (OWMS), facility management can monitor product fill levels, save resources, and provide guests with a more hygienic experience. A range of OPHARDT dispensers – from SanTRAL® Plus to KX Smart to ingo-man® plus – is capable of delivering data to OWMS. OWMS makes it possible to organize cleaning teams and deploy them to where the immediate needs are. Intelligent dispenser systems constantly measure and transmit their fill levels in real time, which washroom maintenance teams can use to optimize refill cycles and cleaning intervals. Hygiene managers can select at which filling-level threshold the system will alert staff to refill a dispenser. When a device requires refilling or servicing, the OWMS software, downloaded on via an app on a tablet or smartphone, will send an alert to cleaning and maintenance personnel. Once the required refill or servicing is complete, staff can mark the task as complete using their mobile devices. This data is then uploaded into the OWMS software allowing facility management an efficient, closer look into the state of washroom facilities. Both the user and facility management benefit from such a system. HYGIENE MADE DIGITAL
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